Pennsylvania permit test: pavement markings
Yellow and white lines, turning lanes and other road markings. 13 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key pavement markings rulesShow the rules
- You may cross broken white lines to pass in your own direction, but never the double yellow centerline. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- Yellow lines mark the center of two-lane roads and the left edge of divided highways, one-way streets and ramps. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- As a general rule, broken lines can be crossed and solid lines cannot, except when making a turn. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- Solid white lines separate same-direction lanes and also mark the right edge of the road. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- R X R painted on the road is placed before a railroad crossing. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- YIELD or white triangles painted across the lane mean you must yield to approaching traffic. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- A single broken yellow centerline allows passing on either side when it is safe, using the oncoming lane. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- Yellow lines divide traffic traveling in opposite directions and mark the center of two-lane roads. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- A double solid yellow centerline means no passing in either direction, even without a NO PASSING sign. (p. 26, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample pavement markings questions
1.A center lane has solid yellow outer lines and broken yellow inner lines. What is it for?
- APassing slower vehicles in either direction
- BParking during rush hour traffic jams
- CLeft turns by traffic from either direction
- DEmergency vehicles answering a call
Show the answer
✓ C. Left turns by traffic from either direction
These markings show a center lane that drivers from either direction may use only to make left turns, not to pass.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 26
2.Your lane has the word ONLY painted with a left arrow. What does it mean?
- AOnly one car may use the lane at a time
- BThe lane is reserved for left turns
- CLeft turns are banned from this lane
- DThe lane ends ahead
Show the answer
✓ B. The lane is reserved for left turns
ONLY with a left or right arrow means the lane is reserved for turns in that direction.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 26
3.You are on a two-lane road with a single broken yellow centerline. Who may pass?
- ANo one, at any time
- BDrivers on either side, when it is safe
- COnly drivers going under the speed limit
- DOnly traffic heading north
Show the answer
✓ B. Drivers on either side, when it is safe
A single broken yellow centerline allows passing on either side when it is safe, using the oncoming lane.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 26
4.White triangles are painted across your lane ahead. What do they mean?
- AA bike lane begins at this point
- BA speed bump is just ahead
- CPassing is now allowed in your lane
- DYou must yield to approaching traffic
Show the answer
✓ D. You must yield to approaching traffic
YIELD or white triangles painted across the lane mean you must yield to approaching traffic.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 26